Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 142

Chapter 142

“I… I’m just visiting… well, I… I work here.” I stammered, trying to think of something.

“You work here?”

“Yes.”

“Doing what, exactly?”

“I… I clean,” I said, voice barely above a whisper.

“You clean?” he echoed like it was the most unbelievable thing he’d ever heard.

“Yes. It’s maintenance. It’s… it’s an empty apartment. All I do is clean. I make sure everything’s in order.”

He tilted his head. “So you’re telling me there are guards outside guarding this place, and you, a cleaning lady, live here alone?”

“I… I’m sure there are owners,” I stammered. “But I haven’t met them. I haven’t been here that long….. I think.”

Alex laughed, clapping his hands once, amused. Wow. You’re smart. Grew up in this world, huh? You’re quick on your feet too. I’m starting to like you more and more by the second.”

I didn’t know whether that was a compliment or a threat. Probably both.

But I also knew something with clarity: this was dangerous. Very dangerous.

It was one thing to be caught in a room with men who acted like mafia. It was another when the man at the centre of it all didn’t seem to belong to my world, the world I recognized. He didn’t look Italian, wasn’t Italian. Not by his accent. Not by his mannerisms.

Irish maybe? Russian? Eastern European? There were too many possibilities. Too many threats.

Was he an enemy? A rival? A mercenary? He couldn’t possibly be a friend of Asher’s. Not with the way he commanded the room. Not with how his men had handled their entrance, those shots weren’t for show. Someone had been shot. Someone might already be dead.

I was getting more and more nervous with every breath. I could feel myself freezing up, locking into place like a deer in headlights, But I forced myself to move, anything to break the paralysis. I shook my head, trying to bring myself back, only to find Alex’s eyes still locked on

He wasn’t looking at me with lust or desire. That would’ve been easier to handle.

No, he looked at me like I was a puzzle he was determined to solve. Like he could take me apart if he stared long enough.

Dissect me. Understand me. Control me.

Finally, he spoke and for a terrifying moment, I was grateful he did. Anything was better than that silence and that stare.

“I think I like you,” he said, calm and casual.

God, no.

I felt my spine go rigid, every muscle in my body tightening like wires pulled taut.

“And as we keep talking,” he continued, “you’re getting more interesting.”

God no, God no, please no.

There was nothing casual in those words. Even though his voice was smooth, light, almost playful, this was not a game.

“But you see,” he said, leaning forward, elbows resting on his knees, “I don’t have a lot of time here. Our time is limited. So, I’m going to get straight to the point.”

That’s when he pulled something from the folder beside him and flung it toward me.

Photos.

They slid across the table like daggers, spreading out in front of me.

My stomach dropped. I didn’t need to pick them up to know what they were.

It was me and Asher. In Zanzibar.

Walking. Laughing. Sharing drinks on the beach. That time he carried me, barefoot, acro sand.

Holding hands. Walking through the streets. Kissing.

Every perfect moment captured like evidence of a crime. Me in his shirt….. They had followed us. Watched us.

“Oh, I want a lot of things, Asher,” Alex replied, lounging back. “And many of them, you can give me. I think we can come to an understanding”

“You attacked in my territory…..”

“Calm down,” Alex interrupted, waving a hand. I’m here with… what’s your name again, darling?”

I opened my mouth, but Alex cut in, answering for me.

“Ariella. Her name is Ariella Costa. And I have to say….. she is such a beauty.”

“What the fuck do you want?” Asher snapped again, louder this time.

“Well,” Alex began, as if ticking off a list. “For starters, I’d like you to start respecting my sister. You do remember her, don’t you? Dinara Volkov? The woman you’re actually married to?”

His sister?

Dinara Volkov?

He was Asher’s wife’s brother?

Fuck!

Asher laughed bitterly. “This is about your fucking sister? Dinara is no longer your concern, she is married to me. Stay the fuck out of my marriage.”

“I would if you treated it like a marriage,” Alex snapped back. “If Dinara didn’t have to call me every goddamn time because of your shit.”

He paused. The room felt tight, the silence pressing against my skin.

“For status,” Alex continued smoothly, “I want you to start acting like a husband….”

Do not put a hand on her. If I find her without a single piece of hair on her head….” “You threatening me, Asher Romano?” Alex said, letting out a chuckle.

“You’re the one who attacked first. I could say I’m just returning the favour.”

Then, almost lazily, Alex continued unbothered, Secondly… I just find Ariella’s company to be so comforting. So riveting. She’s… an eye-opener. Charming. I get why you chose her. I do. I get why she’s your little mistress. But honestly, Asher… I think she could be so much better.”